Page 13 - Tiglin Newsletter December 2022

TIGLIN | Newsletter 2022 13
In January 2022, Tiglin purchased the Coolnagreina campus in Greystones. This came about as a result of the YWCA (the previous owners of the premises) deciding to move, but wanting to ensure that Coolnagreina continued to be used for work that would have a positive social impact. Tiglin was therefore chosen as the organisation that could carry on this work.
As we got the keys to the property and started to bring the building back to life, this work coincided with the tragic Russian invasion of Ukraine. As millions fled, tens of thousands arrived in Ireland. At this time, we were asked to use Coolnagreina to house those coming to our country for safety.
Our Ukrainian guests started to arrive in Coolnagreina in March. At present, we have 106 guests, 43 of whom are children. Understandably, since many have been badly shaken, it took
time before they began to settle into their new temporary home and Irish way of living. However, they are still worried about their family members who have stayed or are fighting in the ongoing war.
Our Ukrainian guests were welcomed with open arms by the Greystones community. Our centre became a hub of kindness, and many of the
local community members assisted our guests in meeting their needs. Examples of this include local schools welcoming the children (many of whom had no English); local GP practices taking them on as patients; and adults being given opportunities in employment.
Family Day at Coolnegreina
The Rise at Coolnagreina
Many local people have organised events to make our guests feel welcome. These events
have included football games, trips to the theatre, attendance at concerts, and other exciting activities - too many to mention in this newsletter! Many thanks and Happy Christmas to all those who have invested in the well- being of our guests.
Ukrainian Ambassador, H.E. Larysa Gerasko visits Coolnagreina